“My friends play with the Bengals. I have no associates, except one, that play with the Cowboys. I don’t have nothing personal against them, I just have no love for the Cowboys.”

Jones signed with the Cowboys following a year suspension from the NFL in 2007 for numerous violations of the league’s personal conduct policy. But his time in Dallas lasted only nine games. He was suspended again, this time for an alcohol-related scuffle with one of his security guards. Jones never played again for the Cowboys and was released in January 2009.

It’s clear that some animosity remains. Jones, who said that Sunday’s game has provided him with a double chip on his shoulder, took a shot at the coaching he received while with the Cowboys, saying, “I was horrible in Dallas and the coaching was horrible, too; from the top down.”

Jerry Jones is one person in the Cowboys organization that the 29-year-old doesn’t seem to have bitterness toward. Adam Jones said he loves the Cowboys owner and general manager.

“I’m thankful for everything (Jerry Jones) has done for me,” Adam Jones said. “The way the situation played out, I didn’t agree with it. He had to do what was good for his organization, which I respect. I have no hard feelings.

“I love Jerry with all my heart. I’m not going to get into what I don’t like about (them) but it’s definitely not Jerry. He’s done a lot for me.”

Jones has been with the Bengals since 2010. In 12 games this season, he has started four, recording seven passes defensed, 25 tackles and one sack.